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Louisville City Guide

Louisville is a beautiful city located along the Ohio River and has many scenic parks and fantastic museums. Its home to the legendary Kentucky Derby and exciting festivals held throughout the year. Whether youre a boxing or baseball fan, enjoy museums or an amusement park, prefer to eat on land or while cruising the river, Louisville has something youll enjoy.

Since 1875, Louisville has been home to the Kentucky Derby, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown. Located at the famous Churchill Downs, the Derby is a huge drawing card for the city. But if you cant make it here in May, you can still enjoy races throughout spring and fall. Close by is the Kentucky Derby Museum, filled with interesting details on horses and jockeys as well as a great 360-degree presentation of the track itself.

The Frazier International History Museum is an ideal place to learn about firearms, shields, swords, suits of armor and medieval weapons that date back over 1000 years and span across two continents. There are three floors of exhibits, an auditorium and movie theater that all showcase an impressive history lesson. But history really comes alive when the costumed interpreters put on their show. The Speed Art Museum, named after James Breckenridge Speed, first opened in 1927 and is the oldest and largest museum of art in all of Kentucky. Since it first opened its doors, its been one of the most popular museums in Louisville. There are over 13,000 pieces in its collection that span over 6,000 years, which include ancient, classical, and modern art from around the world. Although admission is free, a $4 donation is recommended. Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville in 1942 and to honor this local legend, the Muhammad Ali Center, located on Sixth Street and River Road, will focus on the themes close to his heart. Youll see a fantastic collection of his boxing memorabilia but the center is regarded as a cultural and educational institution on peace, respect, personal growth and social responsibility. The Louisville Slugger, a name well known to baseball fans around the globe, was also born in here. The Louisville Slugger Museum is a great tour where you learn the history of this bat, dating back to 1884 and can even see bats and mitts being made. Not sure where it is? Just look for the 120-foot bat leaning up against a building.

If you feel like enjoying some of the Louisville scenery up close, make your way to the Louisville Waterfront Park. With over 72 acres for you to explore, make sure you get your bearings before you go exploring. Although its close to the downtown area, youll feel like youve stepped into a different world. The boardwalk along the Ohio River is especially beautiful, as are the many paths, picnic areas and playgrounds. And if you work up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat at the Tumbleweed Restaurant. The Jefferson Memorial Forest, which was established as a tribute to Kentuckys veterans, is also a nice place to enjoy Louisvilles scenery. Youll find it just outside the downtown area as well and it gives you over 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails. Feel like roughing it for a few days? You can set up camp here and do some fishing. But if tents and lures arent your thing, Louisville has great restaurants and nice hotels to give you all the comforts youre looking for. Another beautiful area in Louisville can be found walking down 3rd and 4th street. This old neighborhood has homes that date back to the 1800s, one of which is open for a tour. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is absolutely stunning and is worth spending some time at.

Louisville has gained a reputation through Ali, the Louisville Slugger and the Derby. But its also well known for its many festivals. The annual Adam Matthews Balloon Festival, held in September, is the fifth largest in the nation and spreads across three days. Enjoy watching the balloons as they race or show off their bright colors throughout the day. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is also held in September in nearby Bardstown and the suburb of Jeffersontown hosts the annual Gaslight Festival. One of its most popular festivals though is the St. James Court Art Show, held in October in the Old Louisville district. Hundreds of artists come to this one area and showcase a huge selection of art. Locals and tourists, art collectors and artists all enjoy this fantastic display of creativity. And then theres the famous Kentucky Derby Festival, held the two weeks leading up to the race. Enjoy the fireworks and balloon races, hopefully not occurring at the same time, as well as concerts and many other exciting events.

Dining in Louisville is a great way to enjoy the local atmosphere. Finding a great place to eat wont be that difficult but choosing one might be since you have over 2,500 restaurants at your fingertips. Try a great place at the Waterfront Park, the Riverfront Plaza, Fourth Street Live! or make your way to the Bardstown Road corridor, also known as Restaurant Row. Wherever you decide to go, see if the menu serves a Hot Brown. This delicious sandwich was made famous by the Brown Hotel but is known around the city. Probably not too healthy for the waist line, but as the saying goes, when in Rome or as this case might be, when in Louisville Another great place to enjoy a meal would be to board the Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating steamboat on the Mississippi River, or the Spirit of Jefferson. These two paddlewheel steamboats serve both lunch and dinner and give you a stunning view of the Louisville skyline as you enjoy a delicious meal.

For a great day of fun, make your way to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Its a fantastic combination of roller coasters and water slides. Try your nerves on the Chang, a coaster that stretches across 4000 feet, and other world-class rides that dare you to try them. And when youre finished making your stomach drop, you can make your way to Hurricane Park. Float on the lazy river, make some waves of your own in the wave pool or try out one of the crazy water slides. Whether you like to stay dry or love getting soaked, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is the place for you.

So why come to Louisville Kentucky? Lets see, you can see a 120-foot baseball bat, watch hot air balloon races, learn about a boxing legend and scream till your hoarse at the Kentucky Derby (get it? Hoarse?). Enjoy a fabulous meal on a dinner cruises, take part in one of its many festivals, shop till you drop and stroll through the great museums. A better question would be when can I get to Louisville?